What should I do if my boat storage facility floods?

Flooding at a boat storage facility is an uncommon but serious event. The first and most important step is to ensure your own safety and the safety of others. Do not wade into floodwater, especially if there is any chance it is electrically charged from submerged wiring or equipment. Once it is safe to do so, inspect your boat thoroughly before attempting to move it or start the engines.

Immediate Steps After a Flood

If you are present during a flood event, focus on personal safety first. If you are not at the facility, wait for official notification that the area is safe to enter. Do not drive through floodwater to reach your boat. Once you can safely access your vessel, follow these steps:

Document everything. Photograph and video the boat inside and out, including the waterline marks, any debris damage, and the interior bilge. This visual record is critical for insurance claims.
Do not start the engine. Water likely entered the engine compartment. Starting a waterlogged engine can cause catastrophic internal damage. Check the oil dipstick and transmission fluid dipstick for a milky or frothy appearance, which indicates water contamination.
Disconnect the battery. Floodwater can cause short circuits. Disconnecting the battery reduces the risk of electrical fire or further damage to electronics.
Pump out standing water. Use a bilge pump to remove any water inside the hull. If the bilge pump is damaged, a manual pump or a wet/dry vacuum may be used.
Open all compartments. Remove drain plugs, open hatches, and lift cushions to promote air circulation. Mildew and rot can set in quickly in a damp environment.

Inspect for Damage

Floodwater is often contaminated with chemicals, sewage, and debris. Even freshwater flooding can introduce contaminants. A thorough inspection is necessary before considering repairs.

Engine and Drive Systems

If water entered the engine through the air intake, exhaust, or breather, the engine must be inspected by a certified marine mechanic. Outboard and sterndrive units may have water in the lower unit gear oil. Inboard engines may have water in the oil pan. The mechanic should check for bent connecting rods, damaged pistons, and contaminated bearings. Do not assume the engine is salvageable without professional evaluation.

Electrical Systems

Saltwater or brackish floodwater is particularly corrosive to wiring and electrical components. Inspect all connections, fuse panels, and electronic devices. Any exposed wiring that was submerged should be cleaned and inspected for corrosion. Replace any fuses or breakers that show signs of damage. Many insurance policies cover electrical system replacement after flood damage.

Fuel System

Check the fuel tank for water ingress. If water entered the tank, it will settle at the bottom. Test the fuel with a water-finding paste or have a professional check it. Contaminated fuel must be removed and properly disposed of before the engine is run.

Upholstery and Interior

Fabric, foam cushions, carpet, and wood trim that were submerged typically require replacement. Attempting to dry them out often leads to mold and odor problems. Upholstery should be removed, dried thoroughly, and treated with a mold-inhibiting cleaner. If any material remains damp after a few days, it should be discarded.

Insurance Considerations

Review your boat insurance policy immediately. Many standard policies cover flood damage, but there are exceptions. If you store your boat on a trailer, your homeowners or renters policy may not cover the boat. If you store at a commercial facility, check if the facility's insurance covers your vessel. You may need to file a claim with your own insurer regardless. Provide the facility with written notice of the damage and request documentation of any flood events or failures of the facility's drainage or flood prevention systems.

Do not dispose of any damaged items or attempt permanent repairs until you have spoken with your insurance adjuster. Premature repairs can jeopardize your claim. The adjuster will want to see the extent of the damage firsthand.

Working with the Storage Facility

Contact the facility manager as soon as it is safe. Ask about their emergency response plan and whether they have a contingency for flooded boats. Some facilities offer priority haul-out or dry storage for members during flood events. The manager should also be able to provide documentation of the flood event and any steps they took to mitigate damage. If the facility failed to maintain proper drainage or warning systems, you may have legal recourse. Consult an attorney if significant damage occurs and the facility appears negligent.

Preventing Future Flood Damage

If you intend to store your boat at the same facility again, assess the flood risk. Ask the manager about the facility's history of flooding. Look for evidence of recent water damage, such as silt lines on buildings or sump pump systems. Consider these precautions for any future storage arrangement:

Store your boat on a higher shelf in dry stack storage if available.
Use a trailer storage option to keep the boat elevated off the ground.
Install a high water alarm or bilge pump with a backup battery.
Seal all bilge drain plugs before leaving the boat for extended periods.
Keep your insurance policy up to date and review flood coverage limits annually.

Flooding is a risk in many coastal and riverine storage areas. Taking these steps can help you recover more quickly and protect your investment for the long term.